NQF Level for 3^rd Level Psychology Module

Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services)- Applied Psychology for Professional Contexts. Qualification code 02313 – APP

Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services)-Community and Health Psychology. Qualification code 02313 - CHP

Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services)- Psychological Counselling. Qualification code 02313 - COU

Dear Students

We are aware of the recent concerns regarding the NQF levels for 3^rd level Psychology module in the Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services)- streams. On the academic transcripts, the Psychology 3^rd level module reflects NQF level 6 instead of level 7. We would like to clarify this matter in the response below.

The implementation of the HEQF (Higher Education Qualification Framework) since 1 January 2009 required that all new programmes submitted to the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) for accreditation had to be compliant with the HEQF and the HEQSF (Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework) as revised. The Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF), which was promulgated in October 2007 (Government Gazette No 30353 of 5 October 2007), provided for the establishment of a single qualifications framework for higher education to facilitate the development of a single national coordinated higher education system. As a result of this integration, the 3^rd year psychology modules went through the alignment process in 2012. Therefore, these modules are linked to both aligned and non-aligned qualifications and reflect two NQF levels (6 and 7) to cater to the qualification’s exit level.

The Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services) – code 02313 reflect NQF exit level 6 because modules offered under non-aligned qualifications.

What does this mean?

This means that although the academic transcripts reflect 3^rd-year modules as NQF level 6, these modules are also linked to NQF level 7.

Can I still apply for an honour’s degree in other universities with this degree?

Yes, the Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services) streams are accredited with external accreditation organisations such as the Council of Higher Education and South African Qualifications Authority. Therefore, the Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services streams are equivalent to the psychology degrees offered in other South African universities.

What happens if another University is doubtful about my degree?

There are two options you may follow:

1. You may refer the University to the South African Qualifications Authority website: https://regqs.saqa.org.za/.
2. You may also request a letter of endorsement from the Department of Psychology by sending an email to Ms. Thandeka Thwala at thwaltn@unisa.ac.za.